September 3, 2025
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Department of the Interior (Department) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for opening and expanding hunting and fishing opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). Yesterday, the 2025-2026 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations took effect, providing 42 new opportunities for hunting and angling across more than 87,000 acres within the NWRS and NFHS.
“We commend Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik for their leadership to increase public access on federal lands and waters,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association. “Continuing to improve access and aligning federal regulations with those of the State benefit hunters and anglers and we look forward to working collaboratively with Director Nesvik to identify additional opportunities.”
The final rule adds or expands hunting and fishing access at 16 NWRS units and one National Fish Hatchery across 11 states (AL, CA, ID, ME, MD, MA, MI, MT, NC, TX, WA). Highlights include first-time hunting at Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR, formalized hunting at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, and the first sport-fishing opportunity at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery. The Association thanks the Department and Service for their emphasis on consistency with state rules and regulations and looks forward to continuing this strong partnership to maximize opportunities for compatible use across the NWRS and NFHS.
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The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to advance sound, science-based management and conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats in the public interest. The Association represents its state agency members on Capitol Hill and before the Administration to advance favorable fish and wildlife conservation policy and funding and works to ensure that all entities work collaboratively on the most important issues. The Association also provides member agencies with coordination services on cross-cutting as well as species-based programs that range from birds, fish habitat and energy development to climate change, wildlife action plans, conservation education, leadership training and international relations. Working together, the Association’s member agencies are ensuring that North American fish and wildlife management has a clear and collective voice.